There has been a 20% fall in the number of burglaries and car thefts, but a 1% increase in violent crime and a 6% rise in criminal damage.

The findings are based on the National Crime Statistics and the British Crime Survey (BCS), which includes incidents not reported to police.

Nationally, the BCS asked 45,000 people about experiences of crime in 2005/06.

Graham Sunderland, Cumbria Police's Assistant Chief Constable for Operations, said: "These figures confirm what we have long said, that we are one of the best performing forces in the country and that Cumbria is one of the safest places to live.

"These results are down to great efforts by all officers and police staff. However, one victim of crime is one too many for Cumbria Constabulary and we are totally committed to ensuring the downward trends continue."